More Study Abroad Programs

There are several study abroad options. The Italy Study Program focuses on the role that art and architecture have had in promoting the Christian faith. The Overseas Training Program (OTP) is a supervised missionary-pastoral experience in a cross-cultural setting. Another option is the Tamale Institute of Cross-Cultural Studies in northern Ghana where participants take part in cultural orientation, intensive language study, and village immersion. Students may also choose to spend one or two semesters learning in the English-speaking section of the theological faculty of the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium).

History of Christianity in Turkey - Ancient, Medieval, Modern

This unique travel program fulfills CTU’s Eastern Christianity 300-1433 course #H4005 and welcomes auditors and continuing education students. The lecture topics will include: St. Paul in Asia Minor; Church-State Relations in the Eastern Roman Empire; Church Art and Architecture; Ecumenical Relations: Past, Present, Future; Papal History (the Five Ancient Patriarchates) and more. The site visits to Istanbul, Ephesus, Chalcedon and Cappadocia will involve: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Church of the Chora, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, the Patriarchal Palace and Church, exploration of Christian sites, medieval cave churches of Goreme; the Church built by Emperor Nicephoros Phocas II in the 10th century; and learning how Greek Christians lived in underground cities. This learning experience will deepen your understanding of Christianity’s history which is guided by CTU’s world-renowned faculty.

Italy Study

Cities like Rome, Assisi, Florence, and Ravenna have been the backdrop for many of the important events and people that have shaped our Christian Faith. They have been the canvas on which much of western Christian spirituality has been painted. By visiting these four Italian cities the course takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying significant moments and figures pertaining to our history and spirituality. Topics include the catacombs and martyrdom spirituality, early medieval Church images and edifices, mendicant spirituality as well as early Franciscan visual and literary history, the politics and pictorial programs at work in Ravenna and the Church’s role in the Florentine Renaissance. The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the role that art and architecture have had in promoting the Christian faith.

The Italy course is every two years and is next scheduled for January 2015.

Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Galilee - Abraham's Children

This travel program is part of the intercultural studies course C4002, “Abraham’s Children” Jews, Christians and Muslims,” is open to participants from any faith or philosophical background and welcomes auditors and continuing education students. Highlights of the program will be the Western Wall, al-Aqsa Mosque & the Dome of the Rock (al-Haram al-Sharif), the Mosque of ‘Umar b. al-Khattab (r.a.a.), the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Yad Vashem, the Church of the Nativity, Hebron/Khalil, etc.

Louvain Study

Students may spend one or two semesters studying in the English speaking section of the theological faculty of the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium). Details are available from the Academic Dean.

Overseas Training Program

The Overseas Training Program (OTP) is a supervised missionary pastoral experience in a cross cultural setting. The program entails at least one year of direct ministry with supervision, which begins after the necessary language and cultural studies preparation. Religious communities with students in the Overseas Training program organize and administer the program for their students in consultation with the Intercultural Studies and Ministry department. Independent students plan their programs in consultation with the Intercultural Studies and Ministry department.

Tamale Institute of Cross Cultural Studies

Sponsored in cooperation with Tamale Institute of Cross Cultural Studies in northern Ghana, students can participate in a 9 week summer program or a 3 week immersion program in Ghana, West Africa. Scheduled from mid June to mid August annually, the summer program includes cultural orientation, intensive language study, village immersion, and debriefing. The immersion (late August to mid September), includes the four components in shorter duration. For information contact the Intercultural Studies and Ministry department (summer program) or the Chicago Center for Global Ministries (immersion program).